I think that from the day they're born, little girls have dolls, prams, bottles, doll houses etc all thrown in their faces.

With out any conscious knowledge, they're being taught how to mother & have a home. They are girls. It's natural to assume that one day they'll be mothers who won't want to miss their child's precious moments. And none of us do want to miss out.

But some women don't want kids at all. Some don't want to get married. Some men would love to stay home & see all the little things their mates miss out on.

These things have been happening for a while now, but it's not really discussed. No one has made a big fuss about it. It just happens. And it's starting to happen more now that women are becoming more career oriented. I think our generation are the ones who've changed a lot of views on a lot of things. But the next generation are still learning from their parents.

One of my dads mates was a SAHD. 20 years ago. His wife is a RN. His youngest just completed his HSC. I'm sure I remember the boys joking about it, but they got used to it.

My brother supports his wife. She doesn't work often outside the home, but he gives up his Saturdays to watch her play netball, or have the kids home while she goes. And he's 'whipped'. They own a business together, they both have their roles there, and they both raise the kids. Together. But he's under the thumb.

People are learning. They're adjusting. It'll take a few generations yet. My parents are 49 and still quite stuck in the dark ages. (Same sex relationships are disgusting for starters. And that movement has been going on for a long time.)

Everyone was raised different. Everyone learns different things at different times. Maybe your reply will make her decide not to settle for less, and find someone willing to support her in her career. Maybe you've taught her something very valuable about how a relationship should be. Not how she wishes it could be.

Who knows.